Thomas F. McCrickett (1860-1916)
Born in Detroit, raised in Bay City, work at Industrial Works.

Added March, 2014.

Transactions, Vol. 80 by American Society of Engineers.

THOMAS F. McCRICKETT._______

Died January 26th, 1916.

Thomas Francis McCrickett, the son of Patrick and Sarah O'Flynn McCrickett, was born in Detroit, Mich., on November 9th, 1869. In early infancy his parents took him to Bay City, and it was there that he received his primary education. He was one of the first boys to be graduated from St. James School of Bay City, the pioneer parochial high school of the country, and he was as proud of his membership in the alumni of this institution as he was of any affiliation that was his. After his high school term, Mr. McCrickett spent a few years as a teacher in the country schools of Bay County, Michigan. This was an experience to which he always looked back with great pleasure, and one which he prized as among the most valuable of his life. Then came a term at Alma College, Alma, Mich., followed by his entrance into the Engineering Department of the University of Michigan. As proof of his high rank as a student and of his scholarship, two things may be related: The first is a quotation attributed to the Dean of Engineering at Ann Arbor, Professor Cooley – “Students may came and students may go, but there will never be another Tom McCrickett.” The second is Mr. McCrickett's election to membership in the Tau Beta Pi Fraternity.

Mr. McCrickett's first position after leaving the University was with the Industrial Works, the leading manufacturing institution of Bay City, Mich. He remained there about one year, at the end of which period Mr. W. S. Russel, of the Russel Wheel and Foundry Company, of Detroit, chose him as engineer to take charge of his growing business in the structural steel line. This choice marked the beginning of a term of service through which Mr. McCrickett won for himself a reputation as an engineer of great ability and a business man of impeccable integrity. He won likewise the esteem and admiration of his employer to he extent that the official announcement o cessation of activities at the Company's office on the day of the funeral referred to him in these words: “our beloved officer and companion”. Indeed, the man and friend stood out pre-eminently in Thomas McCrickett.

Mr. McCrickett died on January 26th, at Harper Hospital, Detroit, Mich., the end coming as the result of an operation for intestinal trouble. By his death the Society has lost a worthy and distinguished member, and the Engineering Profession has been deprived of the services of a worker of mark and capacity.

The field of Mechanical Engineering sustained a great loss in the death of Thomas F. McCrickett, long connected with the Russel Wheel & Foundry Company of Detroit.

Mr. McCrickett spent his early days in Bay City and was one of the first boy students to graduate in 1887 from Father Rafter's pioneer high school, St. James School in Bay City. After leaving St. James SchoolMr. McCrickett tought in a district school and spent some time at Alma College. He entered the University of Michigan and graduted in the engineering course in 1897.

After leaving the University he was associated with the Industrial Works at Bay City; leaving there in 1898 and becoming associated with the Russel Wheel & Foundry Company as an engineer, which position he held until his death.

Mr. McCrickett's ability as an engineer found expression in the structural line in many of the large buildings in Detroit and throughout the state; among them are the Wayne Pavilion, the Port Huron Auditorium and many large office and factory buildings. The designing and arrangement of the new University of Detroit was one of the last of Mr. McCrickett's works. He also acted in an advisory capacity to the school.

Among the organizations to which he belonged were: St. James Alumni, University Club, Detroit, Detroit Engineering Society (past president), American Society of Civil Engineers, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Archaeological Society, Detroit Boat Club.